I've had my 4runner about 6 weeks now. I replaced shocks all the way around and it has helped. BUT - I hitched up my 6x12 flatbed trailer to take a load of garbage to the dump (about 6 miles away - 12 miles round trip), and when I got home, my clearance from tire to fender well had dropped about 1". This was 3 weeks ago and it has not recovered yet.

So, I'm thinking my rear coils need to be replaced. Someone else told me just to install air springs.

I'm thinking the air springs (air bags) would be nice because it will give me the lift I need, plus a little more support for towing if needed.

Does anyone have any advice/experience? I don't want the air springs to just be a "band-aid" over bad coils -- but I don't want to replace the coils if I don't really need to.

 

i would replace the coils...for some reason toyota has never gotten rear springs correctly.
there are several good options such as LC springs or OME (old man emu)


IMO you are correct about the lift bags being a 'band aid' they aren't meant to take the place of the suspension, just to suppliment it

 

Ditto on replacing the springs. I ran AirLift 1000's for most of 6 years and was never happy with them. Unless you get the onboard air, it is a pain to constantly check the pressure to maintain minimum of 5 PSI or you void the warranty. Then, they develop leaks, tear, and you are back at ground zero. For the minimum lift (over 99 coils) the OME 906 is the way to go. It'll give some rake but, if you are constantly loaded, it'll ride and sit much nicer.

Just my 2 cents.